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Diabetes mellitus is a condition which affects millions of
Indians. It impairs the body's ability to use and store sugar.
Elevated blood sugar levels and excessive thirst and urination
are the indicators of diabetes. It can affect vision by causing
damage to the blood vessels of the retina, or a higher incidence
of cataract and glaucoma. Changes are also seen in blood vessels
all over the body. |
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| WHAT IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY? |
It is an advanced stage of the diabetic disease process in
which the blood vessels in the retina are damaged and leak
fluid or blood. The longer a person has diabetes, the more
the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. People with type
I diabetes [diabetes since childhood] are more likely to develop
diabetic retinopathy at a younger age. |
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| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY? |
Early diabetic retinopathy usually has no symptoms. Gradual
blurring of vision may occur if fluid leaks in the central
part of the retina [the macula]. In late diabetic retinopathy
[proliferative stage], new abnormal blood vessels begin growing
on the surface of the retina or the optic nerve. These vessels
have weak walls and leak blood out into the retina and vitreous
[jelly that fills most of the eye]. Presence of blood in the
path of light entering the eye blocks vision. |
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| HOW IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
DIAGNOSED? |
A complete eye examination is required for the detection of
diabetic retinopathy. We perform a painless examination of
the retina of the eye using an instrument called the indirect
ophthalmoscope after dilating the pupils. If diabetic retinopathy
is found, a special test called fluorescein angiography may
be performed where a dye is injected in the vein and photographs
of the retina are taken. |
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| HOW IS DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
TREATED? |
In early cases only regular follow-up may be necessary. More
advanced cases require treatment to control the damage of
diabetic retinopathy and improve sight. Laser photocoagulation
involves the focusing of a powerful beam of laser light on
the damaged retina to seal leaking retinal blood vessels and
stop abnormal blood vessel [neovascularization] growth. |
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Vitrectomy - In the event of the patient presenting with very
advanced diabetic retinopathy, a microsurgical procedure known
as vitrectomy is recommended. Blood-filled vitreous gel of
the eye is replaced with a clear solution to aid in restoring
vision. Sometimes the retina may also be detached. Vitrectomy
surgery is then performed to reattach the retina. |
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| HOW TO PREVENT VISUAL
LOSS IN DIABETES? |
Prevention of diabetic retinopathy and accompanying visual
loss is a team effort involving the patient and our team of
diabetic eye specialists. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy
is the best protection against loss of vision. Diabetics must
have their retinas examined atleast once a year. Our diabetic
clinic is designed towards providing regular preventive care
as well as follow-up for patients with established diabetic
retinopathy. |
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| Call +91 22 66921000, 26431006, 26430940 and take an appointment today or click here and ask the doctor. |
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